Pusch Peak Hike to the Second Saddle

February 22 , 2009

I signed up for a 5.5 mile run on April 11th. That means I have a short time to get in shape. What better way than to go vertical on my neighborhood mountain! Pusch Peak is about 5,300 feet at the top. On this hike I went about half way up. The parking lot is about 2,600. That’s where I started. Some pictures of my adventure follow:

As always, click on any pic for a 1024×768 version.

About 3/4 mile up the Linda Vista Loop is a metal sign. To stay on the trail up Pusch Peak you hang a right. Two days before, and on this day, I took a right at the gully just before the sign. A more direct route.

The terrain is pretty rough going off the trail. I got plenty of scratches and a bruise or two on my legs. I was awesome!

When I did this hike on the 20th I ran into this cool little cave in the rocks. Then I noticed a buch of bees flying in and out! Killer bee hive! I slowly backed away. This is as close as I got on this hike :-)

I took a few pictures on the way up. Here’s an Ocatillo and a Cactus living in harmony.

This is probably my favorite picture taken on the way up. A Saguaro overlooks the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.

Not sure if you can see him, but there is a hiker down on the trail below. He’s in a blue shirt. That’s where I was a few minutes ago.

After more slogging, some rock climbing, a lot of huffing and puffing, I made it to my destination! 1,400 feet above the parking area. Incredible views from this vantage point.